Parenting with an ex-spouse doesn’t come naturally for any Texas resident. Even if the divorce is amicable, parents will experience significant changes in how they parent their children after a divorce.
Adjusting to being the only adult
Your ex-spouse is going to be involved with the kids. That doesn’t change the fact that you’re the only adult in the house when the kids are in your custody.
Despite the stress, many parents find that being the only adult can make their kids more independent. Instead of adults doing every chore for them, kids might be encouraged or naturally inclined to do chores around the house to help out.
Adjusting to new time alone
Parents often don’t get much time away from their children when they’re together – not without hiring a babysitter or planning meticulously for a night out. Even then, parents will have each other for company.
After divorce, odds are you’ll have some amount of alone time while your kids are visiting their other parent. For many parents, this can be extremely hard to adjust to – but it can be a welcome change.
Some parents might use this newfound alone time to reconnect with friends or pick up new hobbies. And because of this alone time, many parents can better relax and unwind.
It gets easier
Many adults find that they feel a lot better after divorce. Without the stress of trying to keep the marriage going, parents might feel they can better connect with their children or be more in the present.
The first year after your divorce might feel overwhelming. However, as you and your children adjust, you’ll start to notice all of the positive changes.